Analyst Predicts iPhone SE 2 to Launch in May or June 2018

Apple’s rumored next-generation iPhone SE could arrive in time for summer this year, according to one analyst’s prediction.

• In that forecast, the iPhone is specifically referred to as device tailor-made for the “entry-level sector.”
• The so-called iPhone SE 2 would feature a glass back and wireless charging like current Apple flagships, but would lack the 3D sensing capabilities and Face ID, according to DigiTimes research analyst Luke Lin.
• Lin said that the entry-level Apple handset would begin mass production in the second quarter of the year, before officially launching in May or June 2018.

DigiTimes has an established track record of reporting on Apple’s supply chain in Asia. It is worth noting, however, that its analyst predictions tend to be a bit more hit or miss as far as accuracy.

While the Taiwan-based publication didn’t mention the size of the device in question, Lin’s prediction does line up with previous rumors concerning a possible 4-inch iPhone device coming this year.

Other iPhone SE 2 Reports

In those other reports, the device is specifically made out to be a direct successor to Apple’s popular iPhone SE device, which was first released in March 2016. These reports do corroborate the rumored glass construction and wireless charging.

The first reports of an iPhone SE 2 surfaced in August 2017, when Indian-based website Tekz24 released a report detailing the supposed specifications of that device. According to the site, it would sport an A10 Fusion chip, 2 gigabytes of memory, and an incrementally upgraded 1,700 mAh battery. As far as storage configurations, it’d be available in 32GB and 128GB versions.

Similarly, in November, China-based Economic Daily News also reported that Apple was set to release a second-generation iPhone SE. According to the publication, the device would be assembled by Apple partner Wistron at the manufacturer’s plant in Bengaluru, India.

Interestingly, some of these reports even state that the device would be an India-based exclusive initially. Though it’s worth noting that such a move would be unprecedented for Apple. Even if it doesn’t just launch in India, the iPhone SE 2 could be an important device for Apple’s struggling market share in the region.

When Will It Launch?

It’s worth noting, on the other hand, that other reports suggest that the iPhone SE 2 would launch within the first quarter of 2018, rather than in the second quarter as DigiTimes‘ analyst contends.

Among those is a report by Taiwanese research firm TrendForce that suggested the device could be one of Apple’s way of targeting the mid-range market.

Apple hasn’t officially refreshed the iPhone SE since it launched in March 2016 — despite the phone’s surprising popularity among consumers. Apple did bump up the available storage capacities for the device in March 2017, however.

While Apple is by no means obligated to follow its past patterns, if we go by Apple’s previous launch timelines for the iPhone SE, that means it could be unveiled sometime in March.

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